Quintessential Kenyon: Student Life, Uncut

COVID-19 Update: College confirms first positive test result

Office of Communications
August 27, 2020

Dear members of the Kenyon community,

This afternoon, we learned that an employee, who has been working remotely, tested positive for COVID-19. This marks the first confirmed case of COVID-19 among Kenyon employees and students in residence and will be reflected in our dashboard of test data when it is next refreshed and included in tomorrow’s email report, for those of you who have subscribed to receive it daily.

The employee and the College were notified independently of the positive test result by the laboratory Everlywell, which is providing tests and processing results for all students in residence and Kenyon employees. The employee will not report to work on campus until they are cleared to do so by their local public health authority and following our Return to Campus Protocols.

We want to reassure you that the College has prepared assiduously this summer for the possible presence of COVID-19 on its campus, as well as ways to mitigate transmission. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and members of our community:

  • Continue to adhere to public health protocols and directives (wear a face covering, spread out, keep gatherings small, wash your hands and monitor your symptoms). We are heartened by the commitment to these practices shown by returning students and employees thus far. 

  • Check your voicemail regularly, and ensure it does not become full, in case public health authorities or Kenyon staff need to contact you. 

  • Check in with your friends and loved ones. They may appreciate the outreach.

  • Take care of yourself, and be kind to yourself. Make sure to eat well, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and exercise regularly.

Future positive test results will be reported on the College’s dashboard, updated daily by noon EST. 

We are grateful to Knox Public Health for helping to keep our campus community safe and healthy, and we wish you good health wherever you are. Should you have questions regarding Kenyon’s COVID-19 response and 2020–21 plans, visit kenyon.edu/return. 

Sincerely,

Sean Decatur
President